Get Connected to SEAT

From the 11th to the 21st of May, the automobile world, connectivity, digitalisation, technology and smart mobility will go hand in hand at Automobile Barcelona. That’s right, the Barcelona International Motorshow is now Automobile Barcelona and will be two shows in one. On one hand, Connected Hub, an event dedicated to in-car technology that will bring tech, mobility and new business models together. On the other hand, the motorshow, itself.

This is the ideal stage for SEAT to demonstrate its decision to reinforce its position as front-runner in connected car, in-car technology and in the development of new mobility solutions where the connected car enhances the driver experience, making it easier and more flexible. At Automobile Barcelona, SEAT will demonstrate how it’s responding to the challenges of the immediate future in terms of connectivity solutions, digitalisation, smart technology, urban infrastructures and traffic systems.

For sure the protagonist at the SEAT stand will be the Ateca FR which will make its international debut at Automobile Barcelona 2017. The FR model joins the others (Reference, Style, Xcellence) in the SEAT range, providing fun at the wheel, sportiness and dynamism without ever compromising SEAT’s connectivity, luxury, comfort and style. The Ateca FR sits at the same level as the Xcellence but with a sportier and more dynamic feel.

The Ateca FR distinguishes itself on the outside by its black roof rails and window frames, its specifically designed grill in glossy black, its exclusively FR designed bumpers and rear fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch option available) matching colours to the bodywork for the wheel rims and side skirts (with aluminium moulding that runs along both doors), the rear window framed by black lateral spoilers and matching bodywork colour for the spoiler on the boot and the FR logo at the front and rear. The logo is repeated inside on the aluminium thresholds in the front doors and also on the multi-function sports steering wheel in leaher with glossy black insertions. The sports seats are upholstered in Alcantara®, the door panels have an exclusive FR covering, the pedals are aluminium and the red stitching on the steering wheel, the gearbox and seats emphasises the sporty side of the car which also comes with firmer suspension to improve the driver experience.

The new SEAT Ateca FR, latest addition to SEAT biggest product offensive, will be presented internationally at the Automobile Barcelona 2017

The FR completes the range of the first SUV in SEAT’s history, and at the same time as the model with which SEAT started its largest ever product offensive with the Ateca, the updated Leon and the new Ibiza. And we mustn’t forget that the Ateca won’t be SEAT’s only SUV, as at the end of the year the Arona will arrive; a compact crossover created from the base of the Ibiza. Not to mention that on 2018, the launch of another SUV is planned, positioned above the Ateca and will offer five or seven seats.

Moving onto the current available models, the new SEAT Ibiza makes its national debut at the same time as the new SEAT Leon Cupra that now comes with the most powerful engine ever manufactured by the Spanish brand, the 300 horsepower 2.0 TSI, with 4Drive total traction available combined with DSG in the family ST model. The Ibiza will go on sale next month in June and comes packed with the most advanced technology, spectacular dynamism and an impressive increase in comfort and interior space thanks to the new MQB A0 platform. SEAT’s flagship model has had a complete makeover while of course, as always, retaining its young spirit, sportiness, functionality and comfort. It gets a fresh design that retains SEAT’s unmistakeable DNA and younger, sportier, more exciting and aerodynamic execution. Without a doubt the new SEAT Ibiza is going to be a leap forward for the brand and marks a turning point in its segment.

The Ateca FR, Ibiza and Leon Cupra will be accompanied on the SEAT stand by the Concept Car SEAT 600 BMS, a design exercise that SEAT presents to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the SEAT 600 in this 2017, is a tribute to the past, as the 600 BMS is based on the unforgettable SEAT 600D with its rectractable top. Much like the first generation of its forerunner, the 600 BMS Concept Car is equipped with front suicide doors and maintains the rectractable canvas top. With its attractive vintage styling, it features striking light grey "metallic twist" body paint with adhesive decals in orange and an evolved "600" logo that is much more graphic. A lot of work has also been put into the appearance of the wheels as well as the brakes. On the inside, the 600 BMS has exclusive upholstery with orange stitching and side detailing in PVC.

Taking advantage of the partnership between SEAT and Ducati for this 2017 MotoGP World Championship, where the Leon CUPRA 300 HP will be the official car of the Ducati Team in Moto GP, it will be also presented the Ducati Corse Show bike at SEAT stand.

The SEAT stand at Automobile Barcelona 2017 will include two zones that are divided by the city’s iconically famous "diagonal" boulevard. The Leon CUPRA and the Ducati Corse showbike, as well as the new Ateca FR, will be displayed in the first zone, which will also feature a 4D virtual experience. The second zone will highlight the fifth generation of the new SEAT Ibiza. The SEAT 600 Concept Car will be on display in the middle of the stand, in addition to the SEAT simulator.

The Automobile Barcelona 2017 will be the venue of choice for a new experiment in design by SEAT, the Concept Car SEAT 600

Luca de Meo, President of SEAT, will be delivering a keynote speech at Automobile Barcelona 2017 and will discuss topics such as digitalisation of cars and the auto industry, connectivity and the company’s commitment to Barcelona and this motorshow event. In addition, the international press will receive insights into all of the brand’s new developments. He is scheduled to speak at 10:00 am on 11th of May.

2017 does indeed represents a special year for SEAT. After obtaining the best financial results in its history in 2016, with operating profits of 143 million euros and 232 million euros after tax, SEAT has started the year at a good pace with a sales increase of 14% in the first quarter with respect to the same period the previous year. SEAT is one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe.